It’s been a crazy January, which is why I haven’t posted my December pick ups yet. So you’re getting a two-for-one deal with BOTH December and January Pick Ups. Also I’ve been reading like crazy since I decided to fill up my February with ARC deadlines.
For Kindle:
Warning Call: A Novel of the Black Pages
Why I got it: The first book Empty Threat was fantastic (see my review here), and as soon as this book came out I snatched it up. I haven’t had the time to read it yet however.
NeverSea: Echoes of the Lost
Why I got it: It was on my list for Santa, and luckily my husband reads my blog from time to time and bought it as a Christmas present. It’s the Little Mermaid meets Peter Pan on a sci-fi world. Can’t wait to read this one!
The Blood King (Red Proxy Book 1)
Why I got it: 99 Days (Red Proxy Book 2) is probably going to be my pick for book of the year for 2017. It had such an unusual and powerful message, without being preachy or over the top. Just characters who question the accepted morality of their culture and battle to do what is right. So when I got an unexpected Kindle credit I had to go back and pick up book 1.
The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner, Book 1)
Why I got it: I’ve been wanting to read this book forever and since I had some Kindle credit left over after purchasing The Blood King, I bought the Maze Runner too. It’s actually been recommended by a friend whose a sci-fi fan and not a YA fan, so I’ve taken that as a good sign (because I am a fan of both.)
When Gargoyles Rise
Why I got it: Author Freebie. I’m on the authors list and got a notice that I had won one of her contests and attached was the book as my prize, but I see it’s free in both KU and the price in Amazon is just set to $0.00. Sooooo, not much of a prize I guess.
Six Queens – Short Story Collection
Why I got it: Author Freebie. I’m on the email list for several author who decided to combine efforts and mailing lists into one called Six Queens. As a thank you to their subscribers they put together this collection.
eARC:
Nocturne: Fourth Talisman #1
Why I got it: Kat Ross is Awesome! She’s become an auto-read author for me. Nocturne continues the story of Nazafareen and Darius from the Forth Element Series (read my review of the first two books here and of the third book here.) It’s a fantastic fantasy world with some interesting new twists. Look for my review of Nocturne coming Feb 8th.)
Misc:
Ready Player One
Why I got it: My husband bought this one for me for a Christmas gift. 1. Because he already read it on audio book and 2. Because he thinks I need to read it before the movie comes out.
Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation
Why I got it: Actually I bought this one for my husband for Christmas. He (we) collect retro video games and this book has a lot of retro gaming history in it.
Heart and Brain: Body Language
Why I got it: My husband loves me. 🙂 And I love the Awkward Yeti (and my husband, mostly my husband.) Every year for Christmas and my birthday I get a big book of comics. I pretty told him that there wasn’t even a choice this year, I wanted the new Awkward Yeti collection. Being the awesome husband that he is, he got me a signed copy.
Owl Wonders Color Art for Everyone
Why I got it: It was a Christmas gift from my goddaughter. She combined two things I love, owls and coloring. She’s an awesome kid.
The Pings
Why I got it: I kickstarted this book after seeing it on Instagram. I wanted to back it because it promised to be a diverse children’s book with a Chinese-American story, and it had great pictures. However, they delivers waaay late and never gave the backers any updates during that time, then when I did read the book I was disappointed. Maybe before you write a book it would be a good idea to take a look at the concept of storytelling. The narrative is one of the most confusing I ever read in a children’s book. *sigh*
Ordinary Days: Family Life In A Farmhouse
Why I got it: I actually bought this for my Grandmother for Christmas, but after she read it she gave it back (I kinda knew that would happen.) At 92 she reads about 3 books a week and she doesn’t really like to reread books. She’s basically the perfect library user.
For Kindle:
Sirens and Scales: a Limited Edition Urban Fantasy Collection
Why I got it: I finally gave in and bought this .99 collection. I pretty knew I would buy it when I first saw it, but I knew it was the last thing my already over stuffed TBR needed.
Sin of Mages
Why I got it: Author Freebie. I’ve been on the authors list for a while, but hadn’t read anything of his yet. So when an offer came up to get the first book free I took it. Sounds like a good fantasy story.
Twist of Faith
Why I got it: Kindle First. I don’t know what’s been up with Kindle First lately, but they haven’t had much to interest me. Still I feel like I have to choose a book, and so I choose this one and will probably never read it.
Legend: A Dragon Rising Novella
Why I got it: Author Freebie. The author K.N. Lee offed this book up for review and so I took it. Although, I’m not so sure about the reverse harem situation. In fact, I’m not sure about harems in any situation, but we’ll see how it plays out.
Court of Shadows: Forbidden Magic Book One
Why I got it: Author Freebie. Another K.N. Lee title.
The Buried Symbol (Runes of Issalia Book 1)
Why I got it: Author Freebie. An author whose list I just joined offered this for free to new readers. It’s a interesting magic school concept where, of course, the new pupil finds a new kind of magic and long buried secrets. Good be good, but again we’ll see.
eARC:
Solis
Why I got it: It’s the sequel to Nocturne. Trust me you’ll want to get both of these book at the same time. Nocturne left me breathless with anticipation, and I could not get my hands on Solis fast enough.
Romanov
Why I got it: Ever since watching Anastasia as a child I’ve had a thing for retellings/re-imagings of the fact of the famed Russian monarcy. This one brings it into the modern era as a urban fantasy story.
Kids Books:
Quest for the Heart (Disney Moana) (Step into Reading)
Why I got it: I had my goddaughter pick out a Step Into Reading level 3 book with her Christmas money and this is the one she choose.
Misc:
Every Landlord’s Legal Guide
Why I got it: Every few Years you’ve got to brush up on the new rules and regulations. We try to keep on top of it, and these guide definitely help.
From the Library:
How Food Works: The Facts Visually Explained
Why I got it: I was interested to see what kind of information this book had and how balanced it was. It pretends to be balanced, but still has a lot of food myths in it, esp where it comes to animal agriculture. Even on the front cover it says that 75% of farm land is used to raise feed for animals. What it fails to mention is that is often the highest and best use of land that can’t be used to grow other crops. Want real facts about agriculture? Check out Common Ground.
How to raise an amazing child the Montessori way
Why I got it: I’ve always been a fan of the Montessori method and I checked out this book because I was going to be teaching kids church ( the 4-7 year old group.) I wanted to see if it had any fresh ideas for me in it. I skimmed through it, but would really recommend this to any parents out there who want a better approach to parenting, one that is positive and proactive.